32lb salmon wins Bemersyde Trophy on the Tweed

32lb salmon secures Bemersyde Trophy

Ian Merrell has won the Bemersyde Trophy for the largest Atlantic salmon caught on the River Tweed in 2025, after landing a 32lb fish from the Annay Pool on Cornhill Beat on 1 October.

The salmon measured 42 inches in length with a 22-inch girth and was taken on a black and yellow half-inch plastic tube fly. Ghillie Brendan Lough of Cornhill Fishing attended the catch and has been awarded the Ghillie’s Trophy in recognition.

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Lifelong connection to the River Tweed

For Merrell, the fish is the largest of a career spent almost entirely on the Tweed. Introduced to the river as a boy by his father, he now fishes it for up to 60 days each season. The catch surpasses his previous best, which was a 30½lb fish taken on the same river in 1980.

“I’ve been fortunate to fish the River Tweed for most of my life,” he said. “To land a fish like this after so many years on the river is incredibly special. The Tweed has given me countless memories and this one will stay with me forever.”

The Bemersyde Trophy, established in 1990 by Lord Haig of Bemersyde, is awarded annually for the largest Atlantic salmon on the Tweed.